THERE is no doubt the 10-furlong Class Three Lapis Lazuli Handicap (12.40pm) is the most difficult puzzle on the card, but nevertheless finding the winner should pay rich dividends.
The likes of ultra-consistent Enthusium for Andrea Atzeni and last start winner Family Jewel who represents the Caspar Fownes and Joao Moreira combination are both likely to be at the forefront on the odds board, while last start winner Mighty Strength will be popular to give young pilot Dylan Mo another well-earned winner.
Top-weight Joy Of Spring is another Fownes’ stable representative who drops down in class again having won three times in this company, while jockey supreme Zac Purton jumps on Shamus Storm having partnered the four-year-old to victory in the past.
THE BOOM BOX has little or no recent form to recommend him, but there are reasons to believe his first try at 10 furlongs could bring plenty of improvement.
Having started his Hong Kong career with a hat-trick of wins, the five-year-old has found it tough going since with just one win over the extended mile at Happy Valley added to his CV.
There have not been many excuses along the way, but he still retains plenty of ability and especially judged on his recent effort where he ran on strongly in the closing stages over nine furlongs.
The icing on the cake is that Vincent Ho retains the ride. The leading local rider has ridden him to victory in all his four wins and knows how to get the best out of him.
In such an open contest, it may be worth having a second stab at finding the winner with the Brett Crawford-trained NUCLEOZOR, who following a health issue a year ago has only run twice this season.
The son of Almanzor was unbeaten in three races in New Zealand before being shipped to his new home.
Both his efforts since resuming in April have been encouraging, especially his fifth to rival Family Jewel on his last start.
With jockey Karis Teetan staying loyal, he can go close at attractive odds.
POINTERS
The Boom Box e/w 12.40pm Sha Tin
Nucleozor e/w 12.40pm Sha Tin